French Phrase
Comment tu vas ?
Meaning
Literally ‘How you go?’, this is the everyday French way to ask ‘How are you?’ It checks on someone’s well‑being in a casual, friendly tone.
When to use
Use it with people you know well—friends, classmates, coworkers you’re on a first‑name basis with, or anyone you’d address with *tu*. It’s perfect for informal greetings, after a short break, or when you want to show genuine interest in how someone feels.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Commenttuvas?
Comment
An interrogative adverb meaning 'how'. It introduces a question about manner or condition.
tu
The informal second‑person singular pronoun. Use it with friends, family, or peers.
vas
Second‑person singular present of the verb *aller* (to go). In this context it functions like ‘are you’ in English.
Inversion vs. non‑inversion
The phrase uses the informal, non‑inverted word order (Comment + subject + verb). A more formal version would be *Comment allez‑vous ?*
🗨In Conversation
Salut, Marie ! Comment tu vas ?
Hey, Marie! How are you?
Ça va bien, merci ! Et toi ?
I’m good, thanks! And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Comment vous vas ?
Mixes the informal *tu* conjugation with the formal pronoun *vous*. Use *Comment vous allez* for the formal/plural form.
Comment tu va ?
Verb agreement is wrong; *vas* must agree with *tu*.
Comment tu vas
Missing the question mark or intonation can make it sound like a statement rather than a question.
↔Alternatives
Ça va ?
How’s it going?
Comment ça va ?
How’s it going?
Comment allez‑vous ?
How are you? (formal/plural)
Tu vas bien ?
Are you doing well?
Cultural Tip
In France, the default greeting among acquaintances is *Salut* or *Bonjour* followed by a quick *Ça va ?* or *Comment tu vas ?*. If the person looks tired or upset, a more caring *Comment tu te sens ?* (How do you feel?) can be appropriate. Remember that using *tu* signals familiarity; with strangers, elders, or in professional settings you should switch to *vous*.